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Bible Pathways - Apr. 7, 2007

Saul attempts to kill David; Jonathan's covenant with David; David's flight to Nob; David flees for his life to Gath in Philistine territory

David became a national hero and, as time passed, King Saul became increasingly jealous of his popularity. And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David . . . Saul my father seeketh to kill thee . . . abide in a secret place, and hide thyself (I Samuel 19:1-2).

Prior to this, Saul had manipulated circumstances to expose David to the Philistines, hoping they would kill him (18:25). And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant. . . . For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?(19:4-5).

Saul had become violent with an uncontrolled temper. He considered any opposition as treason. Jonathan revealed remarkable spiritual insight and courage when he confronted his father the king in defense of David. The risk was very real for, in a fit of rage, Saul denounced his son and, on one occasion, he even attempted to kill Jonathan (20:33).

Jonathan could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved in defending David. To defend an innocent person from slander or harm's way, whatever the cost to self, is to remain faithful to biblical principles by doing what is morally right.

We too may find ourselves in situations where people whom we know are being threatened, accused, maligned, intimidated, or taken advantage of. We are then faced with the decision of whether or not to get involved. We should not be an accomplice to evil by remaining silent but should respond as Jonathan did. There is a direct connection between what we truly believe and how we behave. The Apostle James urged believers: Be . . . doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22).

Jesus declared: I say unto you, Love your enemies . . . and pray for them which . . . persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:44-45).

By David, who, as a servant of Saul, suffered at the hands of the one whom he chose to serve (I Sam. 19:1,10-11). Jesus suffered at the hands of the ones He came to serve and to save. From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day (Matthew 16:21).

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite Government Officials: Rep. Robert Brady (PA) and Gov. Mitch Daniels (IN) Country: Mauritania (3 million) in western Africa Major language: Hasaniya Arabic Islamic state with no mission work allowed 99+% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers to harvest for Him (Matthew 9:38).